Week 11: Aachen and Weinfeste

Our weekend revolved around two trips. The first, on Saturday, was to the Mosel river, where we rode our bikes between two towns that were each having a Weinfest (wine festival). We had some great weather and  soon after riding into Zeltingen-Rachtig we came across a small parade, where the local wine queens waved to the crowd and TWO marching bands (one before and one after the wine queens' float) took turns playing some tunes.


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We weren't quite expecting the parade, and didn't know where the wine fest was taking place, so we followed slowly behind, being careful to not parade without a permit. That turned out to be a good tactic, as it brought us directly to the festival ground, where we followed the bands into a tent, got a glass of wine and a beer and watched the bands and some folk dancers do their thing.

Wine and Folk Dancers! Best Saturday Ever!

After enjoying the hospitality, we rode back to Brauneburg, where we had dinner at our second wine festival of the day. This one also had a marching band, though we missed the parade. Soon after we arrived we found the food stand. Jason had a curry wurst, which was made using this amazing kitchen tool that cut a sausage into many pieces in a single swipe. I had an enormous schnizel in a broechen. It was fantastic after our bike ride.

On Sunday, we drove to Aachen, Germany. The drive there went through Belgium. If you have happened to follow any international politics, you would know that they haven't had a government in 13 months. From what we could see, there haven't been any ill effects in the countryside. The cows don't seem to mind. Anywho, Aachen is particularly famous for its cathedral, which holds the remains of Charlemagne. Unfortunately, you can't get close enough to that portion of the church when you aren't on a guided tour, but we did get to see the below, which was nice. Listening to this group helped to remind us just how perfect churches are for such music.

Aachen cathedral also has some of the most beautiful stained glass I have ever seen, as well as some incredible mosaics. So, the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site is not based on just who is buried there. I am not nearly a good enough photographer and do not have nearly a good enough camera to do the windows or walls any justice. But do take a look at the pictures at the bottom of the Wikipedia page to get a sense of just how spectacular the place is--we will be going back there for sure.

Since we were in Aachen on Sunday, none of the stores were open, but we did do a little window shopping. Below is a picture of one of the windows. See if you can guess which of the key chains was the reason for the photo. I'll give you a hint: for two people I know, it would be a very appropriate gift.